Best Simple Chocolate Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist, fudgy chocolate cake made with only 10 ingredients, featuring deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb that’s perfect for any occasion. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 12 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and no lumps remain.
  3. Step 3: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with moist crumbs.
  5. Step 5: Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Simple Chocolate Cake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Best Simple Chocolate Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Simple Chocolate Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Simple Chocolate Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Simple Chocolate Cake?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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